Muscat: Drivers who obstruct ambulances will now face up to seven years in prison, following amendments to Article 112 of the Sultanate’s criminal law.

Further, motorists who block or restrict passage on public roads on purpose will face 1-3 years in jail, according to the amendments.

Penalties will be raised to a minimum of 10 years in jail, if the obstruction is accompanied by the use or threat of a weapon.

Ahmed Al Barwani, CEO of the Oman Road Safety Association, hailed the changes and told the Times of Oman, “This is all for the good and safety of road users. I think blocking of ambulances is a serious issue that can endanger lives, especially if done on purpose.”

Many drivers across Oman echoed the sentiment. “Smooth and safe passage for ambulances plays a key role in ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care. It can be the difference between life and death in critical cases, and for that reason, the law is very welcome as it will contribute to saving lives,” Khalid, a motorist, said.

Sunil, a father of two, said it would help protect families as well. “Families need to know that when an ambulance picks up a loved one, they will safely reach the hospital without obstruction. Respecting ambulances is not only common courtesy, but a part of being a good Samaritan. Unfortunately, sometimes that is not enough to motivate people to do the right thing, and outside of Oman, there have been instances where ambulances were blocked on purpose. Therefore, I applaud the ROP and relevant authorities for introducing these laws to keep citizens, their families, and hospital staff safe.”

The full amended version of Article 112 can be read below.

Any person who deliberately by any means obstructs public roads in such a way as to prevent passage or make them difficult to access will face 1-3 years in prison.

The penalty shall not be less than seven years in prison, if the perpetrator prevents the passage of ambulances or public security vehicles.

In all cases, the penalty shall not be less than 10 years, if the act is accompanied by the use or threat of a weapon.

Drivers who intentionally obstruct ambulances or public security vehicles will now face up to seven years in prison, following amendments to Article 112 of the Sultanate’s criminal law.

Drivers who purposely block or restrict passage on public roads will also face 1-3 years in jail, according to the same amendments. Penalties will be raised to no less than 10 years in jail, if the obstruction is accompanied by the use or threat of weapons.